The Kia Sonet Will Bring These Segment-firsts To Your Plate

Update (18/09/2020): Kia has launched the Sonet with prices beginning from Rs 6.71 lakh (ex-showroom). Read more about it here.

There’s not a lot that the sub-4m SUV segment is missing out on at the moment. There are a variety of options that offer bucket loads of features and multiple powertrain combinations. Despite this, the Kia Sonet has managed to shoe in a healthy list of segment-firsts. What are they? Here’s a look at them.

Biggest Infotainment screen

The Kia Sonet’s 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment unit, a straight lift from the Seltos, features crisp graphics, in-built navigation and connectivity options like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The closest its rivals come is the 9-inch touchscreen in the Ford EcoSport.

Ventilated Seats

This feature first trickled down from luxury brands to the Hyundai Verna back in 2017. The Sonet will now usher this feature to its class. With this, its front passengers are bound to be comfortable even on a searing hot summer day.

Sound Mood Lighting

This feature might not have much effect on your ownership experience but it is still nice to have. It flickers to the beats of the music, which may or may not be to everyone’s liking. Would you like to have it in your car? Let us know in the comments.

Wireless charging with cooling vents

Wireless charging is now a Hyundai-Kia staple. Yes, it can be found even in the Elite i20 and the Venue but the Sonet dials it up a notch. It gets cooling vents under the wireless charging pad to keep phones from overheating.

Traction Modes

The Kia Sonet gets multiple drive modes but that’s not what’s unique in its segment. That would be the changeable traction modes for varying terrains. That said, this feature will be limited to only automatic variants of the sub-4m offering.

Proper Diesel Automatic

The Sonet seems to have planned an all-out war over its rivals in terms of powertrain options, with the diesel option still very present across half the segment. Moreover, in the name of two-pedal convenience with diesel, only an AMT is on offer. The Sonet will bring a 6-speed automatic torque converter unit which will be paired with the 1.5-litre diesel engine. This unit is likely to be a lot smoother than the AMTs.

Most number of transmission options

Kia will be offering the Sonet with a total of FIVE transmission options. The 1.2-litre petrol engine will only get a 5-speed manual while the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol and 1.5-litre diesel engines will get the choice of a 6-speed manual. The turbo-petrol unit will also come with the choice of the new 6-speed iMT(clutchless manual) and a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic. Lastly, we have the segment-first 6-speed torque convertor automatic transmission for the diesel engine. That’s the widest range of transmission options to be offered in this segment.

Notable Mentions

• Apart from the segment-firsts, the Sonet also brings a few features that match the former segment leaders. This includes an air purifier that’s more advanced than the one on the Hyundai Venue.

• The Mahindra XUV300 was the only SUV in the class to offer front parking sensors but it will now have company from the Sonet.

• The iMT (intelligent manual technology) was first showcased at the Auto Expo by Kia as a fitment for Sonet. However, the Hyundai Venue beat it to the market.

• Accompanying the Sonet’s massive touchscreen will be a Bose sound system with 7 speakers and a subwoofer. The Tata Nexon gets an 8-speaker Harman system.